New running group growing fast

Monday

Aug 4, 2014 at 10:58 AM

To join, go to Thibodaux Running Group on Facebook.

Kate MabryStaff Writer

One Thibodaux resident is building a massive following in her attempt to live an active lifestyle. Erika Esteve, 23, said she began the Thibodaux Running Group when she noticed significant local interest. When the initiative lacked a coordinator, she stepped up. In April, Esteve began the Thibodaux Running Group’s Facebook page to reach out to other locals.“Every time I was out running, I saw lots of other [individual] runners, and I wanted to get a group together,” she said. Her first group run comprised of eight people, including her mother, father and brother. The core members continued to additional friends and family, and in the following weeks, the group exploded to include more than 150 runners during an average weekly run. “We can’t even count how many people attend anymore,” Esteve said. As of last week, the Facebook page had nearly 600 members.Esteve said her father began running several years ago to improve his health and “got addicted to it.” “My dad was my inspiration in starting the group, and he keeps me motivated,” she said.The groups meets on Monday and Wednesday afternoons to tackle three miles. Walkers leave at 6:30 p.m., joggers at 6:45 p.m. and runners at 7 p.m.The walking group has the most members, Esteve said.“A lot of people were scared to come because they were afraid to be with professional runners; they don’t want to see that they’re last,” she said. “Getting them to start early gives them the motivation to finish and gives them some leeway to walk comfortably. And we all end together.”Once a month, the group also holds a 10K run at 5:30 a.m. through Acadia Woods. Hollie Tabor, 25, of Thibodaux, said she joined the running group about two weeks ago with her husband and 1-year-old son. “You’re getting fresh air while you exercise; I can bring my baby and put him in the stroller,” she said. “It’s an hour that I can spend outside with my family, instead of at a gym.”Tabor is not the only parent with a stroller. “In the walkers’ group, you see a lot of strollers, people with dogs and elementary-age kids,” she said. Following Wednesday afternoon runs, the group heads to Foundry on the Bayou where those with dogs can bring their furry pals to relax on the balcony. “The dogs like it just as much as the humans,” Esteve laughed. On Monday afternoons, the group grabs dinner and an occasional drink at The Venetian.“We just hang out and get to know each other,” Esteve said. “I thought I knew a lot of people in Thibodaux, but I’ve met so many new people that I would have never met before. It’s really all about building up the community.” To join, go to Thibodaux Running Group on Facebook.

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